Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at Strayer University-Pennsylvania

Strayer University-Pennsylvania's IT administration program commands a significant price premium—debt 9% above the state median—but the earnings justify it. Graduates start at $61,810, outperforming 95% of comparable programs both nationally and within Pennsylvania. That's $26,000 more than the typical PA graduate in this field and $11,000 above even Pennsylvania College of Technology, the state's second-best program. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, graduates earn roughly double their debt in the first year.

The wrinkle is the earnings trajectory: median pay drops 7% by year four to $57,214. While this decline could reflect job transitions or data variability in a moderate sample, it's unusual enough to investigate further. Even with this dip, however, year-four earnings still exceed what most PA programs deliver in year one. The strong first-year placement suggests the program connects graduates to immediate opportunities in Pennsylvania's IT sector—crucial for a student population where 68% receive Pell grants.

For families prioritizing fast entry into well-paying tech work, this program delivers measurably better outcomes than alternatives across Pennsylvania. The slightly higher debt is offset by substantially higher starting salaries, making this one of the state's strongest values in IT training at the associate level.